About Us// The Supreme Fraternity.

The Tau Gamma Phi was founded by six University
of the Philippines students on October 4, 1968. They were Rodrigo
Alolor Confessor, Roy Ordinario, Vedasto Marco Venida, Talek Hamias
Pablo, Restituto Alfonso, and Romeo Fortes. They were all pursuing
Law degrees in the prestigious University and as pre-law students,
they were either taking AB Political Science or Ab History majors.
As they have similar curriculums, the university admin placed
them in block sections which paved the way for them to be become
familiar with each other and become friends.

In their free times, they started hanging around at the steps
of the University of the Philippines' Gonzalez Hall which is the
UP main library. In these steps, they frequently debated on the
writings of great philosophers like Socrates, Aristotle, Hipocrates,
Descartes, and Plato. It was a good way to pass the time and at
the same parlance a great way to sharpen their oratory and analytic
skills in pursuing their degrees.

Out of these folly debates and mock academic excercises, the
idea of creating an new organization in the UP campus sprung to
life. The initial objective was to form a society or a club similar
to the UP Political Science Club where debates were their main
line of endeavor. But during those times, the most prestigious
form of organization was a fraternity. So it was decided by the
founding fathers to establish a fraternal organization. After
a tedious process of organizing from scratch ranging from researching
on the concepts, doctrines, possible members, goals, and the legal
name, the Tau Gamma Phi Constitution was submitted to the University
of the Philippines Board of Regents for review. It should be noted
that the University of the Philippines Administration required
15 charter members to form a university organization. As a consequence,
the founders were always at the look out for the additonal 9 members
to complete the requirements. Some prospects were interested,
many were not, while others had a luke warm reception to the proposition
as there were many vintage organizations in the UP Campus like
the Beta Sigma, Upsilon Sigma Phi, Alpha Phi Omega, Scintilla
Juris (Pato) plus the multitude of student clubs and societies
addressing the gamut of specific fields of interest. All were
prestigious and doing well and why would you need another one
in a crowded field.

Excellence - the Ideological Centerpiece

Being the best is an old doctirne that is as old as ancient civilization.
We heard it from leaders like Alexander, Da Vinci, Newton, Churchill,
Kennedy, Paul, Rick &amp Alan; and from your elders, business
leaders, and teachers. In fact, the University of the Philippines'
Oblation's message is total commitment in pursue of academic excellence.
Probably all civic organizations that we know like the Kiwanis,
the Lions Club, the Jaycees, the Rotary Club, Math Club, Glee
Club, Girl Scouts, et al has some form of excellence in their
documents. But none of them have Excellence as their sole doctrine.

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This is where the filipino ingenuity of the TGP founding fathers
come into play as they differentiated their new institution from
the rest of the pack. The new organization's ideological centerpiece
is excellence in your chosen field of endeavor. This is the sole
doctrine that was written in the submitted constitution to the
UP Board of Regents. As other bodies have some sort of being the
best in their constitutions, they have declared themselves as
service, civic, or humanitarian entities. In contrast, the new
fraternity of Confessor , Pablo, Ordinario, Fortes, and Alfonso
is an Excellence Fraternity. It can do community services, give
care to the needy. But nevertheless, it is primarily an Excellence
Fraternity. Tau Gamma Phi aka the Triskelions Grand Fraternity
stands for Excellence; clear and simple. On October 4, 1968 the
UP Board of Regents approved the application and the Tau Gamma
Phi Fraternity was born.

A New Era and the Filipino Youth

From a historical point of view, the birth of Tau Gamma Phi is
a dawn of an new era for fraternities in the Philippines as Tau
Gamma Phi has written a new definition of a fraternity in the
Philippines. Although it has some downs as nothing comes in perfect,
it was good for the country as Tau Gamma Phi is one of the few
organizations that have addressed the youth problem of the country.
And the Tau Gamma Phi has risk their name to handle this complex
problem whilst others have pretended these youth problems like
drugs, single parent or no parent youth, out of school youth didn't
exist. Tau Gamma Phi, is one of the very very few who are in the
front lines in dealing with this issues.

And there is nothing more precious than the youth of this country
as the youth is the future of the Philippines. (according to Dr.
Jose Rizal, Philippine National Hero)

With regards to confronting the Youth problems, we would like
to take this oppotunity to thank Triskelion Erwin Lagadi, Suzette
Ranillo, and others in making the "Pinoy Super Kid" movie. It's
goal is to show moral values to our young filipino generations.
It is a family oriented movie. I hope you support it.

Today, after 43 years of existence, Tau Gamma Phi can be found
in almost all colleges and universities in the Philippines. It
has also expanded to the neighborhood community chapters and has
also found its way in the international stream. Tau Gamma Phi
Fraternity chapters can be found in 31 different countries with
51 active chapters in it. Overall Tau Gammma Phi has around one
million members. But the exact number is always an estimate as
new Triskelions are created every day.

Aside from the school
based and communnity based chapters and councils, alumni councils,
international councils, sector councils, provincial and regional
councils, Tau Gamma Phi has the following Orders for specialized
groupings within the Fraternity. They are:

Orders of the Tau Gamma Phi:

Triskelion Order of Nursing (TON)

Triskelion Seafarer's League (TRISEAL)

Triskelion Order of Educators (TOE)

The Order of Triskelion Engineers

The Triskelion Order of Business

Triskelion Order of Law (TOL)

The Triskelion Cyberspace Council

The Triskelion Information and Technology Organization (TITO)

Triskelion Order of Medicine (TOM)

Triskelion Order of Firefighters

Triskelion Law Officers Group (TRILEG)

Triskelion Response Organization

Triskelion Order of Public Administration

Triskelion Youth Movement (TYM)

Triskelion Anti-Kolorum Organization

TriskelionRadio Management

Triskelion Order of the Performing Arts

Triskelion Order of Call Center Professionals (TOCC)

Continued in History Tab.
Thanks.

As to its leadership structure, Tau Gamma Phi
has a presidential form of governace in paper. This would suggest
an overall president in the executive branch. But in practice
and reality, Tau Gamma Phi has an autonomous federal type of management.
Federation of Triskelions is a better term the would best describe
the leadership structure as the real seats of powers lies on the
regional premiers like the Premier of Triskelion De Mindanao,
General-Secretary of the Tau Gamma Phi Metro Manila Coordinating
Council (MMRC) and the governor-generals of each of the provinces.

Tau Gamma Phi/Sigma International Council (TGFS) led by Brod.
Ted Mogol, Adamson 1974 and is based in Arizona, USA.

Although federal and autonomous in nature, all
the organizational entities are united by its Tenets and Codes
of Conduct to make up a United One Tau Gamma Phi and Sigma. It
is further united by the Triskelion culture which includes the
Triskelion Handshake, Triskelion Hymn and songs, the black and
gold Tau Gamma Seal which is above all other chapter seals, lingo,
Triskelion traditions, codes, and principles.

The Official colors of the Fraternity are black
and gold. The Official Fraternity seal is the seal with three
sevens to signify a Triskelion. Over the years, Tau Gamma Phi
have discovered their mascot which is the Lion. A Lion is the
king of the jungle as the Triskelion is the Master of his own
world and destiny.

The important dates for Tau Gamma Phi are: October 4 for its
foundation day and February 28 for the Remembrance Day. Every
Saturday is Physical fitness day which includes body building
and Martial Arts Training. And every Friday is Triskelion Party
Day which is what everybody is waiting for and the rest is History.

History

We've surely come a long way and though the drive
has been somewhat bumpy, it was to a great extent, a terrific
and exciting journey. I will try (and hopefully succeed) to provide
you with the requested snippets of anecdotes about those early
days leading to the foundation of the frat. However, digging through
one’s memories, particularly when we’re talking of
39 long years, will always be an effort of sorts. Searching for
those vivid images, adjusting the focus for some that appear murky,
and discarding those that trigger unpleasant feelings while trying,
at the same time, to render unbiased, accurate accounts, can be
a challenging chore.

I can only hope that my memory serves me right.

“those intervening years before the foundation”

We all met during our sophomore year in the university. Classmates
in a few general curriculum courses as well as in some political
science subjects, we were drawn together by our common interests
in political theory and philosophy and the intense desire to make
a mark in this vast academic community called UP.

We would often spend hours, in various spots all
over campus, but often on the lawn area outside the main library
arguing and debating endlessly over theories of Machiavelli ,
Aristotle, Calvin, Aquinas or some forgotten philosopher. Mind
you, we were not intellectuals, just a bunch of guys fascinated
by what countries and people do that eventually shaped this world.

We came from different backgrounds. Resty (Alfonso),
Tito , and myself were Manila bred guys while Talek, Roy, and
Romy (Fortes) came from Midsayap, Cotabato, Cardona, Rizal and
Irosin, Sorsogon, respectively. All of us, I believe entered the
university as entrance scholars- the first and the last time any
of us earned that distinction.

It was a strong bond of friendship that over time extended to
something more concrete, acquiring a sense of purpose and mission
that needed to be expressed.

“the Political Science Club-the nucleus”

By our 3rd year, we became part of a bigger group of political
science majors that included most of the Founders Batch and the
future founders of Tau Gamma Sigma. It was an expanded social
circle of friends and acquaintances, mostly classmates, who met
quite regularly and frequently. Some of the senior members of
the group were already part of the Political Science Club - one
of the biggest (numbering more than a hundred members) and certainly
one of the most influential student organization in Diliman during
our time. We were invited to join the club and join we did.

Political Science is considered the best preparatory course for
law and the club was populated by members whose ultimate goal
was to be a member of the bar. Naturally, it was ruled by members
of the law fraternities, which at that time was composed of Sigma
Rho, Alpha Phi Beta, and Scintilla Juris. There was a smattering
of Upsilonians but majority of the fratmen and sorority women
came from the aforementioned groups.

The” Poli Sci Club” was also a rich fishing ground
for recruits. As such, we were approached either individually
or as a group by all of them. It was a struggle not to yield

to the promise of lifelong camaraderie and years of “pleasant
existence” in the College of Law ( and within the university
itself) that was being offered by each.

None of us were convinced, though tempted, to give in to the pressures.
We refused to lose our identity nor give up what we started together.

We knew what we wanted. We will build a new brotherhood - an organization
founded on a new set of ideals, democratic in practice, liberal
in thinking, distinct but not elitist in its perspective, rich
in diversity, and most of all open and tolerant in its views.

It was our turn to do the fishing inside this big pond called
the Political Science Club.

“the founding years”

Establishing the frat was, for most of us, a work in progress.
The first two years were the hardest. Designing the framework,
defining the standards, and building the structure took a toll
on everyone. Day after day we would meet to continue where we
left off. Weekends were spent updating each other on the progress
of individual assignments and consolidating inputs. Talek’s
dorm room and Romy’s apartment somewhere in Anonas were
turned into work shops cum sleeping quarters.

From among the group, it was Resty Alfonso who took on the task
of working on the framework and standards that will ultimately
define the organization. His keen mind and sharp intellect made
him the most suited for this role. Who and what we are, as well
as what we stand for, are, to my opinion the most critical questions
that needed to be answered. Finding the answers was not easy.
Ideas were flowing freely from everyone but concretizing them
to form a solid whole, linking each one into a coherent, relevant
, meaningful concept, while making sure that they collectively
represent our deepest aspirations, was the real challenge.

While Resty was neck deep in research, Talek, Roy, Romy, Tito,
and myself were working feverishly to attend to the details of
organizing. The design of recruitment procedures, membership guidelines,
initiation and indoctrination processes as well as rituals made
our heads spin. The organizational structure from the head of
the frat down to the lowest ranking officer had to conform to
the overall scheme of things. The devil is in the details, so
the saying goes, and for all of us it seemed like we would spend
eternity figuring how to make sense of everything.

After months of research and countless meetings, Resty finally
presented to us his opus- The Tenets and the Code of Conduct.
It was then, and still is now, a superbly written doctrine that
defines with utter simplicity and yet profoundly deep in meaning
and value what to us was the proper representation of true brotherhood.

He also introduced to us the Triskelion - a figure that showed
three running legs radiating and connected from a common center,
which is symbolic of all the dynamic forces in physics and from
an Asian standpoint, a symbol that represents the three aspects
of dependent relationships which give existence to all functioning
things. It was both a fitting symbol and portrayal of our philosophy-encompassing
the entire spectrum of our beliefs and ideology. Soon after, it
was adopted unanimously by all six of us as our seal and emblem.

“a rose by any other name….”

Adopting a name for the frat was the subject of much discussion.
We initially took the position that we should use a non-Greek
letter name as one way of signaling our departure from the system.
From among the many suggestions given, we somehow leaned towards
the name Fraternal Order of the Triskelions. However, during the
last stage of our preparations, we realized that it was to our
best interest that we take the Greek letter route as it was a
more acceptable proposition from the perspective of recruitment.
Furthermore, we also wanted to avoid being perceived as a mere
honor society or be ranked a notch lower than the established
frats.

As a compromise, we decided to favor the name Triskelions’
Grand Fraternity and adopted the Greek letter initials Tau Gamma
Phi.

“the founding batch”

By the latter part of the second semester, we were ready to begin
active recruitment. We were able to secure pledges of willingness
to join from a few close friends but we needed more recruits to
reach the number required by the university for a student organization.
Thus, we decided to begin selection from a short list of names,
ranking the individuals on the basis of their commitment levels,
strength of character, potential contribution to the frat and
leadership skills. Allow me to name a few brods from the Founders
Batch whose significant contributions paved the way towards the
fulfillment of our ideals:

Rolando “Rolly” Bayan- strong in academics, highly
analytical, we sought his counsel during critical times, a real
devil’s advocate during important discussions, and an excellent
political strategist/ ( Rolly graduated with Political Science
degree as well as an LLB from the UP College of Law, became a
ranking legal officer in the Office of the President of the Philippines
until his brutal murder in the late eighties in his residence
along with his wife. The case remains unsolved up to this day.)
Gerardo “Gerry“ Dacanay- highly principled, strong
convictions, good leadership skills, an implementor ( Gerry eventually
became the third GT, a philosopher-warrior, it was during his
watch when the first major conflict with Kappa Epsilon occurred
. (He graduated with a Political Science Degree, reportedly went
abroad soon after. His present location is unknown to me.)
Cesar “Cid” Diomampo – a born leader, highly
organized, became Corps Commander of the UP ROTC (a position whose
campus stature was equivalent to the UP Student Council President)
assumed the GT position right after Gerry, credited for putting
a more regimented approach to organizational discipline, it was
during his administration when the frat mounted its first major
political campaign in UP- the KAKASA party with Rene Guioguio
as standard bearer for AS Council President, it was also the first
time that we were recognized as a political force in Diliman (
he graduated with a Political Science degree, a successful businessman,
Cid is still very active in frat affairs as Treasurer of the Alumni
Association)
Alvin DeVeza- an active and reliable organizer, an all around
guy and an excellent propagandist, often called” Mr.Newsman”-
he is a one man information machine providing the frat the much
needed intelligence data during the turbulent period (Alvin graduated
with a Political Science degree, worked in Congress and taught
in a Metro Manila school, he died a few years ago)
And of course, one should not forget the others whose counsel
we sought often during the formative years- Benjamin ( “Benjie
“) Tagayuna, a long time member of the Congressional Office,
House of Representatives, and The Fajayan twins , a successful
doctor and a lawyer. Eduardo (Ed”) Conde, who became a accomplished
banker and whose whereabouts remain unknown, stayed largely in-
active during most of the period due to pressure of studies. [Rod
forgot to mention Jesus Rodriguez, Jr.]

I could go on and on but there are so many events, highlights,
and milestones to consider and it would probably require me to
take a sabbatical just to reflect and sort out those memories.
Obviously the expulsion of the two founding fathers from the organization
deserves serious thought and recollection. However, the memories
of those times were quite painful to recall considering that it
serves no purpose except to define historical perspective and
extract one bitter lesson: no one, regardless of contribution,
stature, and or role in its success, is bigger than the organization
itself. The life and success of the fraternity move on its momentum
derived mainly from the collective efforts of its members. It
thus becomes imperative for the incumbent leadership to provide
the direction necessary in order to harness this collective effort
towards the greater good of all its members and the organization,
devoid of selfish motives and personal aspirations.

My best wishes to everyone. Happy 39 years!

In the spirit of the Triskelion,

Rod ‘68

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Supremacy in Strength...Freewill...Brotherhood, may we always
remain...

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Councils all over the world

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Year round Community projects

Great cammaraderie and partying.

Why Choose Us?

If you want to excel, improve yourself,
then choose us. If you want to be a leader, choose us. Tau Gamma Phi
has its own special orders like the Triskelion Order of Medicine,
Triskelion Order of Law, Triskelion Order of Nurisng, Triskelion Order
of Educators, and a lot lot of councils within Tau Gamma Phi. You
can participate and be an officer in any of these organizations.

Testimonials

A great organization. Lots and lots
of community services. That's what this country needs. Action rather
than cheap words. I like the attention you give to our youth. It
is space that are ignored due to its complexity. More power to you
Tau Gamma Phi !!!